How Electricty gets to your Home

Getting Electricity to your Home

This is how it all works

Steam is generated at the electricty plant by the burning of fossil fuels – or at a nuclear or hydroelectric plant.

The steam powers a turbine which spins a huge magnet inside a copper wire. Heat energy converts to mechanical energy which then converts to electrical energy in the generator.

Elecricity flows from the power plant through wires to the step up transformer. The transformer raises the pressure so it can travel long distances – its raised as high as 756,000 volts

The electric current then runs through the power lines to the substation transformer where pressure is lowered to between 2000 and 13000 volts

Electricity is then taken through the lines to a pole transfomer – or a transformer box if underground – and pressure is lowered again to between 120 and 240 volts

From here electricity comes into your home through a service box, where your meter is located to measure how much you use. Wires take electricty around your home powering your lights and all your other appliances